A review of aridity and groundwater

Abstract

Surface hydrological studies are seen as inadequate in hyperarid and arid areas to provide reliable estimates of recharge. In most such areas surface discharges are not present so that assessments of groundwater resources are dependent upon ground interpretation and denied the flow control found in assessments elsewhere. Groundwater models show that gradients are sustained by long-term dewatering and very small amounts of modern indirect recharge. Recharge indications are well within the error of a hydrological balance. Discharges appear equally small.The development of groundwater in arid areas frequently faces problems of salination due to recycling of irrigation water and rising groundwater heads. Abstraction is often inadequately managed so that uncontrolled mining of groundwater occurs. The advantage that groundwater has, however, is that it offers staged development and staged appraisal. ARIDITY AND GROUNDWATERc J

Variabilité spatiotemporelle sur le long terme des précipitations en zone aride en Australie et conséquences sur la recharge

“…2). These terms are consistent with definitions given by Lloyd (1986) and more recently re-iterated by Healy (2010). In this paper, the evidence for direct, indirect or localised groundwater recharge to occur at Fowlers Gap is examined.…”

“…Figure 2 provides a conceptual model for localised recharge that was adapted from Lloyd (1986). It seems very probable that localised recharge will occur in the sandstone hills of FGAZRS (Fig.…”

“…Conceptual models for groundwater recharge were proposed by Lloyd (1986) based upon observations of processes in various arid zones including Northern Chile and the Middle East. These processes are illustrated in Figure 2 (adapted from Lloyd, 1986) and form much of the basis for recharge studies by later workers (Lerner et al, 1990, de Vries and Simmers 2002, or Scanlon et al, 2006.…”

“…These processes are illustrated in Figure 2 (adapted from Lloyd, 1986) and form much of the basis for recharge studies by later workers (Lerner et al, 1990, de Vries and Simmers 2002, or Scanlon et al, 2006. Here, the term 'direct' is used for any recharge occurring diffusively over large areas due to infiltration from precipitation.…”

Dynamics of transmission losses in a large arid stream channel

“…infiltration through the beds of ephemeral water courses) increases with aridity (e.g. Lloyd, 1986;De Vries and Simmers, 2002) making it a key factor for sustainable freshwater management in truly arid regions.…”